Chocolate orange overnight oats

Bored of toast and cornflakes? Make a batch of chocolate orange overnight oats for a quick and easy breakfast on the go.

Because I’m known for being quite healthy conscious, I tend to get a few funny looks from work colleagues whenever they see me tucking into a Tupperware box of chocolate orange overnight oats. But looks can be deceiving and in this case, they are even more delicious and nutritious than you might think.

These overnight oats have all the flavours of Terry’s Chocolate Orange, but with far less sugar due to my winning combination of orange juice, cacao powder and cacao nibs. The result is something very special and satisfying indeed. 

How To Make Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats

• Chef Catling’s recipe notes
• Recipe: Chocolate orange overnight oats
• Frequently asked questions

Tips & Notes To Know

• Plan ahead: Overnight oats are a fantastic time-saver, especially for time-poor parents or workers in the city. Left overnight in the fridge, the oats will absorb the milk and soften, ready to eat the following morning.
• Use old-fashioned rolled oats: Avoid instant and quick-cook oats (too mushy) or steel-cut (too chewy). Rolled oats give the best texture after soaking.
• Want it warm? Give the chocolate orange overnight oats a blast in the microwave at 30-second intervals until nicely heated through.

Chocolate orange overnight oats

Serves: 1 Prep time: 5 mins

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Ingredients

60g rolled porridge oats
1/2 tbsp cacao powder
1/2 tsp cacao nibs
80ml orange juice, freshly squeezed
100ml semi-skimmed milk

To serve
Maple syrup, to drizzle
1 square dark chocolate, grated
1 orange slice, halved, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1
Mix together the porridge oats, cacao powder and cacao nibs in a bowl. Stir in the orange juice and milk and pour into a jar or container.

Step 2
Seal and refrigerate overnight. Serve topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and a grating of dark chocolate. Garnish with slices of orange if you want to get all fancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do Overnight Oats Taste Like?

The beauty of overnight oats is that they absorb whatever ingredients you put in them. You can make them as healthy (or unhealthy) as you like, but the flavour tends to be richer than a bowl of porridge. They are usually eaten cold, though you can heat them in the microwave if you prefer your oats warm.

What Is Cacao Powder?

Cacao allows you to get all the benefits of chocolate, but without the refined sugar or saturated fat. It’s the purest form of chocolate and is similar to cocoa powder, but more nutritious because it’s less processed.

A small serving is rich in fibre and an excellent source of various minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and selenium.

What Are Cacao Nibs?

Cacao nibs are unsweetened, tiny pieces of crushed cacao seeds. They are crunchy, bitter and rich, so a little goes a long way. Cacao is also thought to be the food with the highest source of magnesium.

Can I Use Honey In Place Of Maple Syrup?

Yes. Honey is usually a touch sweeter than maple syrup, so you may want to use slightly less than the amount of maple syrup called for in the recipe. However, they are basically like for like with the only major difference being the price.

How Do I Make Chocolate Orange Overnight Oats Dairy Free?

Substitute cow’s milk for an alternative like oat, soya, almond or coconut milk.